It is easy to get caught up in the emotional and financial issues that are usually glowing red hot when a teenager finds out they are pregnant. Teenage pregnancy can have several effects on the baby both short and long term. Though every situation is not the same, the larger majority of teens are not prepared for all of the responsibilities and the extra challenges in front of teen parents.
Related: The Effects of Teenage Pregnancy: Examining the Results of 12 Studies
Teenage Pregnancy Effects On Baby: Health
When we find out a teenager is pregnant most people think about the health of the child. Though some teenagers are mature, many are simply not prepared for the changes taking place in their body. It was difficult for me at times as a full blown adult to eat healthily and take care of myself when pregnant. Teens do not have all the resources that many adults have.
Many teens do not seek out (or do not have the resources) to have all the medical care they need. Teens often need more education when it comes to nutrition, prenatal care and pregnancy complications than they receive. Teens need proper nutrition even more than the average mom. Their bodies are still growing also, so nutrition needs to support both their own and the babies growth.
According to the National Institute of Health, teenage pregnancy can have a major effect on the baby in the short term, including risks for:
- Anemia
- Toxemia (also known as pre-eclampsia)
- High blood pressure
- Placenta Previa (Placenta blocks the cervix)
- Premature birth of the baby
Teenage Pregnancy Effects On Baby: Newborns
While every new mother is exhausted from the demands of a new baby, babies of teens are at particular risk to not receive proper care. Many teens are not ready to handle both the very exhausting physical and emotional demands of a newborn. This puts babies born to teens at a higher risk for abuse or neglect according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, especially in families where the teen does not have support from family.
Caring for a baby is tough for any new mom. Teens are less likely to know the guidelines, and can unknowingly put their babies at risk for infection, illness and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. While SIDS can happen to any baby, babies from teen mothers are at a much higher risk.
Related: 16 and Pregnant: The Basic Facts of Teenage Pregnancy
Teenage Pregnancy Effects On Baby: Long Term
Many teen mothers end up dropping out of school, which hurts the amount they can earn long term. According to the Center of Disease Control, households with teen parents are more likely to be raised in single-parent families, with money being at the center of many other issues. While some teen dads try to be involved, they too are in survival mode. They often end up taking lower-paying jobs rather than finishing education which would help them longer-term.
Children born to teen moms are also less likely to be well prepared for kindergarten due to lack of resources. They consistently score lower on average on vocabulary, math and reading test according to CDC. This means from the start of their education, they are often already several steps behind other children with more preparation
What other effects does teenage pregnancy have on a baby? Are we headed in the right direction? Tell us in the comments?
Image Credit: essie
I would never put myself in such a position its not healthy both
mentally and physically
I didn’t know the SIMS risk wax higher. The things you’ve said make good sense though, especially for those teens who have little or no support.
In our community there is a center that helps everyone who is pregnant. A lot of teens go there and they are treated with love and compassion instead of judgement.
This is a very important discussion. Many people forget the effects that these situations have on the baby involved.
I hadn’t actually ever thought about the effects it might have on the mother.
I was a teen mom and probably one of the few who did it alone and just fine. My son is now healthy, happy and 12.
I am happy to report that my nephew is a product of teen pregnancy but has not gone through any of these things listed here. He is a very bright young man and has the world at his finger tips. My SIL stayed in school and raised that baby with all of the love and help my family and hers could give her. It takes a village, especially when its a Teen Pregnancy.
The way to combat alot of this is to provide support and education along with proper medical treatment to the teen to ensure the baby is healthy and stays that way.
I worked with pregnant teens for years and it is quite a challenge for both the teen parent and the grandparents. I think you did a great job covering the issues and challenges.
Babies are precious, every life is just precious as can be but I do agree – it’s tough when a teen gets pregnant – lots of challenges could arise.
There’s all the physical risks, but we also have to take into account all the psychosocial/emotional ones. Not just for mom, but for baby, too.
I did not have children until I was 32. I am amazed how earlier and earlier kids are having babies. They are just babies themselves, I could see how it would effect baby and teen.
Like another said, I suppose each case is different. I had my baby as a teen, and she grew amazingly well. She just finished her sophomore year taking all AP classes and finished first. I wouldn’t advocate for any teen to get pregnant, though I don’t think it’s the end all be all this day in age.
I didn’t know this kind of pregnancy could have so many affects on the baby. It already seems like a tough enough job at that age.
Teen pregnancy is pretty common in our area. It is sad when it causes people to drop out of school. There has to be a solution for that.
In our area, we have a program at several of the schools that accommodates teen moms. It’s not perfect, but it definitely helps the girls finish their high school degree. Education on teen pregnancy is so important, but it definitely isn’t the end-all be-all to prevention.
Having sex or having a baby that young was not on my radar. This is a great post! Very solid information.
This is great information. I never knew that teenage pregnancy could have so many side effects on the baby.
I can not even imagine having a baby so young. I feel bad for those moms.
Teenage Pregnancy’s effects on babies.. besides medical.. it really depends on the teenager and the family support system they have. I know of those that have done well and those that have not.
There are so many challenges for teens who become pregnant and that always seems to be the focus. I never considered all the actual effects a teen pregnancy can have on babies – on their health and long term.